Iconography Classes

Private Iconography Class

$245 PER MONTH OR $75 PER CLASS.

Nothing beats the one-on-one attention a student gets from private lessons. I offer students private classes in icon painting and iconography. Each icon painting lesson is two hours long and consists of intensive instruction in the painting of icons as well as the iconology, history, and symbolism of the Byzantine icon. Icon lessons take place in my home studio and all supplies are included in the fee except the icon board. Icon boards can be purchased separately as needed. Everything else is provided: pigments, egg tempera medium, brushes, etc..

Upcoming Workshops

ICON OF JESUS THE PANTOKRATOR

Learn to paint an icon of Christ from start to finish. Using the ancient medium of egg tempera, each student will paint the divine face of Christ in the traditional Russian style off iconography. This is the ideal workshop for beginner and intermediate students.

ICON OUR IDOL?

A FREE seminar exploring the sacred art of the byzantine era. What makes an image am icon versus an idol. We will uncover the fascinating history of byzantine iconography and the iconoclastic controversy.

GILDING CLASS

Learn how to apply genuine gold leaf using a variety of methods. Gilding often proves to be the most challenging part of the Icon Painting process. Knowing how to apply the gold, and how to work with it can save you hours of heartache.

Testimonials

It isn’t often that you can find an artist, a teacher, and a theologian wrapped into one, but with Vas Avramidis, this combination is actually possible. I began my journey learning to paint icons in the traditional style with egg tempera, two years ago. I took some weekend courses, and learned some techniques, but did not get the individual, precise, and joyful instruction that I received with Vas. Having worked with young people, Vas is a very adept teacher, giving many examples, explaining why a process is done at a certain time, and shares his wealth of knowledge of art and beauty. He allowed me to be hands-on in developing my work, demonstrating, then having me complete the technique, rather than doing it for me. So many classes result in the instructor taking over the brush, in an effort for everyone to leave happy with a finished icon, despite the work representing the teacher rather than the student. Vas was very respectful of my work, and my need to learn by doing myself. When I made missteps, Vas was patient, and explained that part of the icon painting experience is learning humility, perseverance, and patience. Mixing colors from ground minerals with egg medium is an art that few teachers of iconography explain or share. Vas gave me detailed instruction mixing colors to the point where I felt confident I could replicate the color palate on my own. I enjoyed many conversations on art, spirituality, creativity, and aesthetics during our studio time together. Our lessons were an experience in learning to reflect God’s beauty, and finding that iconography is another way to pray with a paintbrush. Carol Funk, Retired

Matthew began to learn the art of iconography when he started middle school, and by the time he graduated, he had completed three beautiful, prayerful icons. We proudly display his work in our family room, and every time I see them, I am reminded of St. Benedict’s rule of “ora et labora,” prayer and work. It inspires me to make my work a prayer. And I think that it also inspired Matthew that he could, like Mother Teresa, make “something beautiful for God.” In a culture which increasingly settles for the mundane over the majestic and praises mediocrity over excellence, Vas’ work with his students in iconography and sacred art has reinforced the very real truth that beauty is a work of God. He encouraged his students to stretch beyond their “comfort zones,” and unlocked for them a lifelong love for God, expressed in art form. For my son to learn these lessons at such a young age is something for which I will long be grateful. – Laura Williams, Parent

“Thank you for being a spectacular teacher. Ever since second grade, I have looked up to you and your artistic skills. You have taught me so much about art, and have helped me improve my artwork. Over the years, I have watched my artistic skills flourish, and I owe it all to you. I still remember some of the projects I did in your class, from the prints we made in second grade using cardboard and string, all the way to the icon you helped me create this year.” Erin M., Grade 8

“Sixth grade was the first year you had us paint icons; I remember it was an icon of Mary. Ever since then I have always looked forward to completing a new icon every year.” Julia H., Grade 8

Iconography School New Jersey

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